Hakimi could feature for PSG at Auxerre on Friday after AFCON final | OneFootball

Achraf Hakimi is in line for a swift PSG return after Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final for Morocco against Senegal in Rabat at 20:00. According to L'Équipe, the defender should resume training in midweek and could be considered for Friday’s trip to Auxerre in Ligue 1’s 19th round.

The occasion caps months of planning for Hakimi, who targeted the tournament once Morocco were awarded hosting. After an ankle injury in the 1-2 defeat to Bayern Munich on 4 November, he delayed surgery to make the finals. He played the semi-final against Nigeria, which finished 0-0 then 4-2 on penalties.

PSG also expect Ibrahim Mbaye back in the same window from the Senegal camp. On Thursday, Luis Enrique expressed pride at seeing both in the final, urged them to enjoy it, noted only one can win and stressed he wants them back quickly.

In all scenarios, Hakimi is expected to remain in Morocco on Monday, then travel to Paris on Tuesday. His team-mates will be in Lisbon to face Sporting CP in the Champions League, and will resume training at 16:00 on Wednesday at the Campus PSG in Poissy, Yvelines.

A routine assessment will be carried out on his return and no risks will be taken. If he is in condition and feels ready to start, Hakimi will play, which could allow Warren Zaïre-Emery to rest.

Source: L'Équipe